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Unix Administrator / Engineer

Quick Facts

Median Salary$118,984
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth-20.52%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Unix Administrator or Engineer installs, configures, and maintains UNIX operating systems operating within a business. Analyzes and resolves problems associated with the operating system's servers, hardware, applications, and software. Detects, diagnoses, and reports UNIX related problems on servers.


Core Tasks:

  • Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
  • Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
  • Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
  • Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
  • Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.
  • Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
  • Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
  • Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
  • Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
  • Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
  • Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
  • Train people in computer system use.
  • Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.
  • Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.
  • Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases.

What to expect as an Unix Administrator / Engineer

1Earn a Bachelor's degree

60% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Unix Administrator / Engineer related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

984 openings for Unix Administrators / Engineers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

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